TheCable

Lai Mohammed, former minister of information and culture, has been named the managing partner of the Nigerian branches of Ballard Partners, an international lobbying firm.

The firm announced the new role in a statement shared on its official Twitter page on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the organisation, which has offices across two continents, is expanding to Nigeria and opening its branches in Abuja and Lagos.

“Ballard Partners, one of the top government relations firms in the United States, is opening its first office in Africa in Abuja, Nigeria, the nation’s capital,” the statement reads.

“Lai Mohammed, the immediate past Nigeria minister of information and culture, will serve as the managing partner of the Abuja office and the firm’s satellite office in Lagos, the nation’s financial centre.”

Brian Ballard, the firm’s president and founder, said Mohammed was given the role because he “is one of the most respected officials in the country”.

He added that the former minister’s “outstanding reputation and exceptional experience will be invaluable to our firm’s clients”.

“Opening our first African office in Nigeria expands our firm’s international footprint to three continents and builds upon the important work we have done on behalf of African nations and companies in Africa and the U.S.,” the firm’s president said.

“We are honoured to have former minister Lai Mohammed join the firm as our managing partner in Nigeria. He has a long record of public service and is one of the most respected officials in the country. His outstanding reputation and exceptional experience will be invaluable to our firm’s clients.”

Reacting to his new appointment, Mohammed said Ballard Partners has a perfect record globally and is delighted to be a part of the firm.

“I am very pleased to join Ballard Partners and to open the firm’s first office in Africa,” he was quoted as saying.

“Ballard Partners has an impeccable reputation internationally and is well known for its success representing African countries and American firms in Africa.”

Mohammed served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.